India backing Maldives amid political turmoil?

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Tuesday did not give a clear picture of India's stance on the political situation in Maldives while insisting that the importance of political pluralism in Maldives has been part of the regular dialogue between both nations.

"The importance of political pluralism in Maldives has been part of the regular dialogue between India and Maldives. The discussions were in the context of the run-up to the commonwealth ministerial action-proof meeting, which is going to be held very shortly," MEA spokesperson Vikas Swarup told the media here.

Diverting from the question if India is backing Maldives in its political crisis, Swarup said the External Affairs Minister and her Maldivian counterpart Dunya Maumoon held talks on some of the follow-up action required in wake of the joint commission discussions that were held when Sushma Swaraj had visited Maldives.

"During that particular visit, the EAM had also met the leader of the MDP Parliamentary group Ibu Solih," he added.

Maumoon, who met Swaraj in New Delhi on Saturday, informed her about the circumstances leading to imposition of Emergency in the island nation earlier this month besides the current political situation.

Maumoon's two-day visit to India came nearly a month after Swaraj's trip to Male during which she had co-chaired the Joint Commission meeting.